Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/694626
29 E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T T he Kennebec Regional Development Authority (KRDA) off ers a regional approach to developing Central Maine— the perfect universe. Benefi ts from Spread Effects Central Maine's Kennebec Region transitions from the urban hierarchy to the rural periphery. What this means for those seek- ing to invest in Maine is that the region represents the State's sweet spot. It off ers a competitive price point along with work- force availability. "South of the Kennebec Region, you're paying Boston rents and Boston wages," cites Brad Jackson, the Executive Director of the Kennebec Regional Development Authority. Central Maine off ers competitive market rates for land and labor. Within a 60-mile radius of the Kennebec's market center is a population of 740,000, which represents 57% of the state's popula- tion. "Over half the work force within the state is within the tradi- tional commuting distance," notes Jackson. It is a Maine tradition to commute more than an hour—something possible due to the lack of traffi c congestion in Central Maine's Kennebec Region. Benefi ts from Development Corridors e Kennebec River Valley is a remarkable multimodal develop- ment corridor. Rail, river and road parallel this section of Central Maine. Pan-America's rail investment includes an intermodal rail facility in Waterville, from which Poland Springs now ships product from its production centers to its northeast markets. Interstates 95 and 295 converge at the southern end of KRDA's service territory. Here, Gardiner's shovel-ready Libby Hill Park is the perfect site location for entrepôt activity. Commercial and general aviation services are available in Augusta, Norridgewock and Waterville. With these infrastructure networks, fi rms seeking the right investment location will fi nd access to their markets. Defi nes a New Urban Core and Center of Gravity e Augusta-Waterville micro- politan area is an ambitious region with ambitious plans. When you consider the latest investments by the region's hospitals and col- leges, you will fi nd an unparalleled quality of life. Central Maine's Kennebec region is less than an hour from the coast and an hour from New England's fi nest skiing venues. It truly is the center of the perfect universe. Our am- bitions have resulted in unique capabilities and outcomes. The Center of Gravity in the State for Public-Private Partnerships A unique public-private partner- ship has materialized around Colby College, the City of Waterville and the State. Over $100 million of leveraged private investment will focus on the revitalization of the City's Downtown. Speculative development for manufacturing and entrepôt activity will now proceed from the public-private partnership that combined state, federal and local funding with private funds to develop a new access/egress point along Interstate 95 at the Sydney-Waterville line. e Alfond Foundation, in conjunction with the region's colleges, presents a new academic-industry partnership off ering workforce training programs for the emerging innovation economy. The Center of Gravity in the State for Foreign Direct Investment e KRDA has developed expeditionary capabilities to identify and target emerging companies beyond Maine—with a focus on Canadian fi rms seeking access to markets. e region's Foreign Trade Zone links the region to the state's port activity. Its growth council has instituted the state's most eff ective workforce devel- opment program. Bottom Line: Business is Moving Here is unique regional approach off ers competitive advantages for your business investment. e KRDA will be your one-stop shop to advise and assist you through the process. For the appropriate investment, there is FirstPark—a 285-acre campus of shovel-ready, pre-permitted sites with protective covenants; and a low-density, campus-like setting. FirstPark also incorporates innovative technology and infrastructure. It's the only business park in the northeast with a Verizon/Fairpoint SmartPark® designation. l From a top-performing call center to a leading regional development authority — FirstPark is the place to invest near exciting Waterville. Business is moving here. Regional Authority, Regional Capabilities Kennebec Regional Development Authority/FirstPark 46 First Park Dr, Oakland, ME Economic Development Brad Jackson, Executive Director Founded in 1998 www.fi rstpark.com/krda The Kennebec's Central Maine